South Foreland Valley

South Foreland Valley

St Margaret’s Parish Council owns South Foreland Valley; it is a site of special scientific interest and contains nationally important World War II military structures. It is also our village green.

South Foreland Valley is protected as it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The site is important as it contains scarce habitats and species such as basil thyme (Acinos arvensis) and the chalkhill blue butterfly. The chalk grassland supports many other species but it needs management to thrive.

The valley was once an open place, but over the years bushes and trees have scrubbed over parts of the chalk grassland leaving some pockets isolated. St Margaret’s Parish Council worked with White Cliff Countryside Partnership to restore the site to its former glory and then maintain it.

The Parish Council runs a volunteer group who meet on site twice a month to undertake practical work. There are lots of ways you can help either through practical work or recording species or just keeping an eye on the place. If you’ would like to help call the White Cliff Countryside Partnerships Office on 01304 241806.